Characterised by a sort of ‘pride of reason’, Shamseddine did not seek cheap popularity. In his Testaments (al-wasâyâ)[1] he developed a general Islamic vision based upon a clement and moderate Islam. Clemency is here synonymous with indulgence and openness that leave space for the other who is seen as an equal partner even though different in the equation; whereas moderation implies control of all of the parts of the equation and a conscious choice in favour of justice and fairness. This kind of Islam trusts the faithful and calls them to belong in a constructive way to the rhythm of the contemporary epoch and to participate in an effective way in the construction of the future, creating a valid alternative to withdrawal or implosion within the walls of one’s self.
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[1] Testaments was recorded live shortly before the death of Imam Shamseddine in 2001. This work was published by his oldest son Ibrahim with Dar an-Nahar (Beirut, 2002) and has been translated into French, English and Spanish (Presses de l’Université Saint-Joseph, Beirut, 2008).